Strategic Management of Grapevine Virus Diseases

Virus diseases, particularly those caused by grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) and grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV), are a serious threat in all Canadian wine producing provinces due to their rapid spread ans severe impact on grape and wine production and quality. Activities 2, 3 and 4 of the Grape and Wine Science Cluster will determine the incidence of virus infections in Canada, the role insect vectors and their control play in infection spread, and the virus impacts on grape yield and quality. The results from this research will serve to develop strategies to control vectors, mitigate infection impacts to wine quality, and reduce infections in the long-term through adoption of a national clean plant program. Analytical services for the virus-related projects will be provided by the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University. 

Identification Guide to the Major Diseases of Grapes

Posted Jun 11th, 2021

The purpose of this guide is to help growers and advisers properly recognize diseases of grapes in Eastern Canada.

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Survey and Evaluation on Viruses and Their Effects on Plants - Project Update

Survey and Evaluation on Viruses and Their Effects on Plants - Project Update

Posted Jul 21st, 2020

Evaluation of Viruses - project update from Activity 4A, July 2020

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Mealybug and Scale Management

Mealybug and Scale Management

Posted Jul 19th, 2019

Wendy McFadden-Smith explores Leafroll virus in Niagara, Ontario.

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Guide to the key arthropods of vineyards of Eastern Canada

Guide to the key arthropods of vineyards of Eastern Canada

Posted May 14th, 2019

This comprehensive 114-page guide, available as a free download in English and French, was created in a field-sized format to help growers identify the pests in their vineyards and make informed decisions about how to best protect their grapes. Better understanding the numerous beneficial insects present in the vineyard will enable them to produce grapes sustainably and reduce their reliance on chemical interventions.

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Grapevine Viruses: an update from CGCN and Grapevine Virus Sampling 101

Grapevine Viruses: an update from CGCN and Grapevine Virus Sampling 101

Posted May 2nd, 2019

Sudarsana Poojari of CCOVI and Jill Page of CGCN presented an update on Grapevine Virus at the 2019 Ontario Craft Wine Conference & Trade Show.

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Grapevine Leafroll Viruses Project

Grapevine Leafroll Viruses Project

Posted Apr 9th, 2019

Tom Lowery and Jose Úrbez-Torres of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada explore Grapevine Leafroll virus in a multi-year study.

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Research Focus - Red Blotch Disease Ecology and Management

Research Focus - Red Blotch Disease Ecology and Management

Posted Dec 11th, 2018

PhD candidate Elizabeth Cieniewicz and plant pathology Professor Marc Fuchs discuss their research looking at the virus associated with Red Blotch Disease, how it spreads among vines, and the implications for management.

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Grapevine Viruses (McFadden-Smith, Poojari, Parent, Sept. 2017)

Grapevine Viruses (McFadden-Smith, Poojari, Parent, Sept. 2017)

Posted Apr 16th, 2018

Typical symptoms of Leafroll disease in red cultivars include red-purple discoloration, and rolling backwards of the leaves. In white varietals, this is not as prevalent, although can sometimes be seen closer to the end of the growing season.

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